Companies operating in the satellite propulsion market, including Exotrail SA, Thales Group, Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, and others, are majorly focusing on new product development in alliance with space and satellite research organizations. In March 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization announced that it is anticipated to demonstrate the application of an electric propulsion system on a satellite in the second half of 2024. In February 2024, the Ministry of Defence of India declared that The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had launched a Green Propulsion System fabricated under the Technology Development Fund scheme of DRDO in orbit functionality on a payload initiated by PSLV C-58. In January 2024, Bellatrix Aerospace launched Rudra and Arka propulsion systems onboard ISRO’s PSLV C-58 launch vehicle. In 2023, Neumann Space announced that its propulsion system, Neumann Drive, accomplished its first space mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California through the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (Transporter-8). In 2023, NASA awarded a contract to Aerojet Rocketdyne to fabricate a new type of electric propulsion system for deep space exploration operations. In 2023, Exotrail and Astra Space secured orders for satellite electric propulsion systems. Astra secured an order of five of its Astra Spacecraft Engines from Apex, whereas Exotrail received an order for its spaceware Hall effect thruster from Satrec Initiative. The system is anticipated to be used on an Earth observation satellite for the South Korean government. In 2022, Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Leonardo S.p.A and Thales Group, sealed an agreement with Miprons, Segni, Italy, to fabricate a propulsion system primarily for satellites that will be equipped with additively manufactured components and is driven by water. Thus, the growing new product development in the satellite propulsion sphere is anticipated to propel the growth of the satellite propulsion market over the forecast period.
The scope of the satellite propulsion market report includes North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America). In terms of revenue, North America accounted for the largest market share in 2023. APAC is the second-largest contributor to the global satellite propulsion market, followed by Europe.
The Asia Pacific satellite propulsion market growth is attributed to product innovation and strategic collaborations. With a strong focus on satellite launches, countries in Asia Pacific, including China, India, Australia, and Japan, have emerged as key players in advancing satellite propulsion technologies. Major industry contributors include leading aerospace and space companies such as Neumann; Space Machines Company; Beijing Spacecraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd; China Aerospace Science; Technology Corporation; and Kongtian Dongli. The companies are renowned for their initiatives in the space technology sector.
The Asia Pacific satellite propulsion market benefits from combined initiatives facilitated by organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, and the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT. The partnerships between government agencies and research organizations accelerate research and development and other activities supporting the space-related projects of member states. The region’s commitment to space exploration is apparent in projects such as the Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) satellite launch project, the Apstar 6-E satellite launch project, and the LOTUSat-1 project, which emphasizes Earth observation and environmental monitoring. As demand for small satellites and satellite consortiums is rising, the Asia Pacific satellite propulsion market is witnessing strong growth.
The satellite propulsion market in Australia is witnessing high growth in terms of product development and innovation. In March 2024, Space Machines Company developed Optimus, an Orbital Servicing Vehicle (OSV). The OSV is anticipated to be utilized for reducing space debris and is transporting a range of advanced Australian payloads to space. In 2023, Neumann Space integrated its Neumann Drive propulsion system into the Skykraft satellite that is designed and developed by Australia.
The growing government initiatives toward advancing space technologies are also having a positive impact on the satellite propulsion market in Australia. In March 2024, the Australian Government announced that it has agreed to join Landsat Next, the pioneering satellite program managed by the US Geological Survey and NASA. The program is anticipated to map and detect the changing surface of the Earth to support mining exploration, environment, monitoring to understand the root cause of Earth’s climate, and management of floods and natural disasters.
Rising research and development activities initiated by the Australian Government for accelerating space technology development are also boosting the satellite propulsion market growth in the country. In 2023, Australia’s space research center, SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre, initiated a series of R&D projects along with university appointments to support the ACT Space Update 2023. Some of the research projects are co-funded by SmartSat and ACT Government, which brings together The Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and Australian National University to deliver advanced manufacturing technologies for the OzFuel instrument. This is a crucial payload of an Earth Observation Resilience satellite mission that targets to enhance continental-scale fire management and environmental monitoring designed particularly for Australian Eucalypt forests. In 2022, Australia’s space agency launched the Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) satellite. The presence of companies such as Gilmour Space Technologies, Black Sky Aerospace, and Neumann Space also bolsters the growth of satellite propulsion market size in Australia with their collaborations and product development strategies. In 2023, Surrey Satellite Technology and Neumann Space collaborated to work collectively to test an Australian-designed space propulsion system. The companies developed an in-space propulsion system, which is a crucial part of the CarbSAR in Orbit Demonstration Mission.
Satellite Propulsion Market Analysis: Orbit Type Overview
Based on orbit type, the global satellite propulsion market is segmented into LEO, MEO & GEO, and Beyond GEO. The LEO segment holds the largest market share owing to the increasing launching of satellites by private and government organizations in this orbit. The lower earth orbit (LEO) ranges from 500 to 1,200 km from the Earth’s surface. Most commonly, smaller satellites are launched in this orbit owing to their lower cost and ease of deployment. Several countries, including India, China, the US, Germany, and France, are launching their satellites in this orbit to improve their communications activities, facilitate environment monitoring, and enhance navigation capabilities. Furthermore, the LEO segment is anticipated to hold a significant satellite propulsion market share during the forecast period.
Satellite Propulsion Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
Moog Inc.; ArianeGroup; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Thales SA; Airbus SE; IHI Corp.; Bellatrix; Aerospace Private Limited; Busek, Co. Ltd.; Safran S.A.; and Avio S.p.A are among the key players covered in the satellite propulsion market report. The market report includes growth prospects owing to the trends and their foreseeable impact during the forecast period.